RDC still awaiting findings of fraud investigations

10 months later

Almost a year after the discovery of alleged fraudulent activities within the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Democratic Council (RDC), the regional body is still to receive a report on the findings of the investigations.

Back in September, Regional Chairman Renis Morian had revealed that the administration was still awaiting word on the way forward to determine the fate of a number of its employees, who were charged by Police, in connection with the offence.

The report was also sent to the Office of the President (OP) and to the Public Service Ministry, the Chairman added.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Monday, Morian outlined that, to date, the Council continues to await word on the report to determine the way forward. He noted that all the paperwork had been submitted, but that there appeared to be a delay somewhere along the line.

Those employees who were initially found to be in the alleged fraudulence have remained off the job since January, to facilitate investigations. However, Morian pointed out that those employees continue to be paid their basic salaries.

The revelation of alleged fraud involving employees of the RDC as well as contract employees was made public by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke in January of this year, when he outlined several discrepancies involving the council’s money, during a statutory meeting.

Auditors were then summoned to investigate the issue, which had also engaged the attention of Police. Officers of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), State Audit Department as well as Office of the President (OP) were summoned to conduct investigations and had interviewed a number of internal and external RDC staff.

Three employees were initially charged and released on station bail over the allegations. Several other employees were also questioned and sent on leave to allow for a thorough investigation.

While the investigations were expected to wrap-up in January, Morian revealed that even more disturbing discrepancies surfaced in February.

Former E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus had also confirmed that investigations were being conducted through Police Headquarters, Georgetown, into missing monies and impropriety in terms of records.

There was also the case where false payment vouchers were prepared and monies paid.